Peachland View February 17, 2023

Before They Fall film screening

JOANNE LAYH

Members of the community will have an opportunity to view a B.C. documentary, Before They Fall, at a special screening at the 50 Plus next week.

The documentary screening is sponsored by the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance (PWPA), a local advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding Peachland’s watershed.

“This film is just to adver-

tise that it has been over two years since the old growth deferrals have been promised and they’re going to save and protect old growth and nothing has happened,” PWPA director Taryn Skalbania told the View. “We in Peach-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:00 pm in Council Chambers at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 – 6th Street, Peachland, BC to consider:

“Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2367” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2368”

Council will hear from persons who deem their interest in property to be affected by these bylaw amendments.

Location: 6785 Thorne Road, Peachland

Legal Description: (Lot A, District Lot 221, ODYD, Plan 19113)

Purpose: To amend the Subject Property Official Community Plan Future Land Use Map from “Rural” to “Low Density Residential”; AND, to amend the Zoning Bylaw Map zone from “Rural Residential (RR1)” to “Single Detached Residential (R1)”, to facilitate future subdivision.

land do have old growth . . . a movie like this will just bring more attention to the cause and more information to taxpayers and recreation users and land users.”

The PWPA will host the

first B.C. Interior screening of the documentary to help raise awareness in the region around various issues surrounding B.C.’s endangered old-growth.

“Before they Fall is hon-

ouring those who fight to protect ancient old-growth forest and an urgent call for settlers to listen to and follow Indigenous leadership,”

Continued on Page 5

Copies of the proposed Bylaws and related material can be reviewed at Municipal Hall, 5806 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC between 8:00 to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday from February 10, 2023 to February 21, 2023 or online at www. peachland.ca/publichearings. Municipal Hall will be closed February 20, 2023.

To be considered by Council, concerns must be expressed in writing or presented in person at the Public Hearing. Written submissions may be delivered to the District of Peachland Municipal Hall or emailed to the Corporate Officer, at corporateservices@peachland.ca. All written and emailed submissions must be received by 4:00 pm on February 20, 2023 and will become part of the public record.

PHOTO MOMME HALBE, ECOLOGYST FILMS

Porchlight granted development permit with variance

JOANNE LAYH

Peachland council has authorized the issuance of the development permit with a variance for Porchlight Developments’ project on Clements Cres.

Last month Porchlight Developments’ proposal for a four-storey 84-unit multi-residential building in the Clements neighbourhood received final adoption with unanimous approval from Peachland council.

As a result, the Official Community Plan (OCP) has been amended from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) for a portion of the property and the parcel was rezoned from A2 Rural (non-ALR) to RM4 Multiunit Residential – Medium Density and R1 Single Detached Residential to allow the developer to build rental apartments at 5481 Clements Cres., which is located between Peachland Elementary School and Trepanier Creek.

When the proposal came to council for first and sec-

ond readings last March, Porchlight, also the developer for the Crystal Lake project on the former Todd’s RV site, was initially proposing a stratified building with an affordable homeownership model but later proposed the building consist of rental units.

When a development permit application came to

Peachland council last week it included a variance request to reduce the number of required motorcycle parking spaces from 25 spaces to five spaces.

“The applicant is requesting a variance to the minimum motorcycle stall requirements, as they feel that this bylaw requirement is unique to the District of

Peachland and in order to provide the additional 20 motorcycle stalls, additional mature trees would need to be removed from the site,” noted planning consultant Shannon Tartaglia in a report to council.

A zoning bylaw review of the municipalities throughout the Okanagan found that the District of Peach-

land’s motorcycle regulation is unique, as Zoning Bylaw No. 2100 is the only bylaw in the Okanagan that includes a minimum motorcycle stall requirement.

A development notice sign was posted on the property advising of the requested variance and letters were sent to the adjacent property owners within 100 metres

of the subject property, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, no member of the public responded to object to the decreased number of required motorcycle stalls.

Residential parking for the building will be provided in both underground parking and a large landscaped surface parking lot for a total of 143 parking stalls and bicycle parking will be provided throughout the development.

The residential development will include large decks and patios, a sports court, raised community garden beds and several landscape courtyards with a variety of seating areas, and in addition to these private amenities, a public walkway is being proposed to connect existing Clements Cres residents to the new parkland that was created behind the development as part of the rezoning process; however construction of the trail is not a requirement of the permit.

The project is anticipated to begin this summer and construction is anticipated to take 18 months to finish.

Recreation department to offer Film & Fun event for Family Day

JOANNE LAYH

The Peachland Recreation Department is launching a new Family Day event this year, a Film & Fun family-friendly movie screening with snacks and fun activities for kids.

In previous years the recreation department had offered a Family Day skate, but with Family Day being pushed a week later, the municipality hasn’t been able to get ice consistently, so the decision was made to try something different.

“We decided that rather than a wait and see approach with how the weather will be, let’s just plan something new,” said recreation manager Ben Stringer.

The municipality will be screening The Princess Bride on a large 20-foot screen that is suspended from the curtain of the stage and used in tandem with a projector borrowed from the fire department.

“Things are looking really quite crisp so we were happily surprised with the quality of this one,” said Stringer.

“We thought we’d go for a classic, something that maybe a lot of kids haven’t seen so it would be a movie they’ve never watched before so a full new experience to come into the centre and watch.”

The Peachland Ambassadors are partnering with the town for this event. They’ll be at the community centre with popcorn as well as their new cotton candy machine, and both treats will be available by donation to the Am-

bassadors.

There will also be a hot chocolate bar with fancy toppings for people to make themselves some sweet beverages.

Other fun activities for kids will include face painting, light crafts, colouring and games.

“It’s all free. It’s being offered as something fun for our community,” said Stringer. “We are open for drop-ins for anybody who wants to come in. The doors will be open at 1 p.m. and the movie will start about 15 or 20 minutes after.”

The free Family Day Film & Fun event will take place on Feb. 20 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the community centre. For more information call 250 767 2133.

Southwest corner view.

ILLUSTRATION DISTRICT OF PEACHLAND

Joanne Layh Publisher / Editor editor@peachlandview.com sales@peachlandview.com

Don Urquhart

Contributing Reporter

Melissa Morris Production designer@peachlandview.com

5878A Beach Avenue

Peachland, BC V0H 1X7

250 767 7771

published by Aberdeen Publishing Inc.

Robert W. Doull, pres rdoull@aberdeenpublishing.com

The Peachland View is a free community newspaper that is distributed each Friday to everyone in Peachland. Anyone who lives outside of the distribution area but within Canada can purchase a subscription at $70 per year + GST. The Peachland View reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial submission at its discretion. Material submitted by columnists does not reflect the opinions of the Peachland View or its employees. The Peachland View retains complete and sole copyright of any content, including stories, photographs, and advertisements published in the Peachland View. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission or consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

HeArts Fest raised donations for Turkey/Syrian Relief Fund

The Peachland Variety Singers would like to thank everyone for attending our concert and luncheon on Monday, Feb. 13, which finished a very successful HeArts Festival.

We raised well over $300 in donations for the Turkey/Syrian Relief Fund, which will be tripled by the Red Cross.

A special thanks to the Peachland Community Arts Council, Val Macgillevray and her 50 Plus crew and Sigrid Orford for crocheting all the little red hearts to give

to donors.

The next concert will be Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 in the 50 Plus Activity Centre. Phyllis Papineau, Peachland

P.S. Joanne, thank you for all your years of service to Peachland and we wish you success in this new chapter in your life.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Phyllis. You are a true Peachland gem so I just had to put you on the front page one last time :)

Lilly St and Hwy observations

Upon reading the article about Lilly and the Hwy 97 intersection I have thoughts I’d like to share with MOTI and readers alike. Heading south on Hwy 97 and Princeton Ave with a boat attached is a very stressful area to be when one want to enter the parking and boat launch area. You simply cannot just turn into it as the one-way street won’t allow and you cannot enter from

the north; one is forced to turn over the double solid line and wait for traffic from the south and holding up traffic behind is usually heard with a %$&_% or a horn blaring.

It needs rethinking in this area. Also, many times on Beach Avenue’s boat launch and its pedestrian infested area where we boaters are backing in and pulling out and trying effi-

ciently to start or end our day...well it’s dangerous to put foot traffic in this area and I’ve seen three close calls of running over people that decide to creep around backing up vehicles. The foot traffic should be crossing there at the sidewalk and cross over again if they want at the washroom facility further south.

Erwin Jands, Peachland

An elephant in the room

The Peachland Seniors Support Society (PSSS) has established a pathway to millions of dollars of provincial and federal funding to build a second phase of seniors housing on the district owned lands on 5th Street. This funding has been secured in light of commitments made by the previous council to lease the land for the project and to waive Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and planning fees. However, it now seems that some decision makers do not see the provision of another 73 units of affordable seniors housing to be a priority or even perhaps, a desirable goal.

The society’s rezoning and development permit application was submitted to the district 10 months ago and to date has yielded only a variety of red flags: processing delays; resolution of planning concerns complicated by an outsourced planning

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel issued the following response to the letter above:

The society’s rezoning and development permit application will come before council for first and second reading probably in March.

In the meantime, as per council res-

process; statements that that revenue losses from DCC waivers are too burdensome to be acceptable; questions raised about the benefits of the project; suggestions that the land is too valuable for its intended purpose; and most disturbingly, news that the mayor has been in contact with a private developer and scoped out an alternative project proposal for the site.

If we cannot be assured of council’s continued support for the phase two project, it will collapse. We will then need to advise the province that the $500,000 already spent over the past two years on pre-development costs has been wasted; that we no longer need their proposed $8 million capital contribution; and, that their anticipated $500,000 annual operating subsidy will not be required. Federally, we will need to decline a potential $3 million CMHC contribution, and a preferred rate CMHC

olution, the mayor is engaging with RDCO and BC Housing to discuss this project.

Resolution: “That the Mayor will formally request the RDCO and BC Housing pay the DCCs and other fees associated with this project.”

Eventually this council will make a decision based on facts and all input

Readers saddened

mortgage.

Needless to say, any such an outcome will have profound consequences, not just for the 97 applicants on the phase one waiting list, or those hoping for phase two placement, but legally and politically as well.

To date, councillors have not been directly engaged in these issues or asked to consider abandoning the project in favour of a private development. However, it is a know “elephant in the room” and one that has to be confronted. What is needed now is for councillors to step up, insert themselves into the process, engage in problem solving, and see this project to an appropriate conclusion.

We urge them to do that at the earliest opportunity.

Keith Fielding, President, Peachland Seniors Support Society

received, a decision that is in the best interest of our taxpayers.

Keith Fielding’s remark that the mayor has been in contact with a private developer and scoped out an alternative project proposal for the site is untrue.

Dear Editor,

My husband and I are deeply saddened by the news that our little town of Peachland will be losing our beloved View!

Castanet is great, but we don’t want to lose our paper. We look forward to it every Friday and love to see and hear of all the things here in Peachland.

Please reconsider this choice! I’m very sure many other Peachlanders feel the same!

Jay and Shela Hughson, Peachland

Tree documentary

Continued from Page 2

says the film’s producer Momme Halbe. “Even though Indigenous Peoples have been disenfranchised from their land, they still hold the knowledge and connection that is needed to combat climate catastrophes that have become so frequent and severe in this province.”

The film was produced by Victoria-based Ecologyst Films and the screening will take place at the 50 Plus Activity Centre on Thurs. Feb. 23 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. followed by complimentary refreshments and home baked goodies as well as a Q&A with three guest speakers: Wilderness Committee national campaign director Torrance Coste, film participant, activist and Deputy Leader of Green Party of Canada Rainbow Eyes and film participant and Tree of Life / Awi’nakola Foundation member Rande Cook.

Admission is by donation.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

CAPTURED IMAGES exhibition at Peachland Art Gallery runs until Sunday, Mar 5. Featuring the “best of the best” fine art photographers returning for its ninth year.

VALENTINE’S PARTY hosted by the Peachland Ambassadors at the community centre on Feb 18. Call Linda at 778 479 2843 for more information.

FREE FAMILY DAY FILM & FUN is a NEW District of Peachland event that will take place Monday, Feb 20 from 1 pm - 3 pm at the community cenre and will feature

MONDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

8 am - 9 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

ADULT DAY SERVICE

9 am - 3 pm

Residences on 6th

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5

9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre

SPIN, SCULPT AND STRETCH

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

REMEDY PELVIC FLOOR YOGA

THERAPY

11 am - 12:15 am

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

LADIES COFFEE

1 pm -2:30 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE

ACRYLIC WORKSHOP

1 pm – 4 pm

Peachland Little Schoolhouse

a big screen movie, games, goodies, face painting and more. FREE!

BEFORE THE FALL MOVIE NIGHT Film screening, Q&A, popcorn, refreshments, and discussion panel after the screening on Feb 23 at 7 pm at the 50 Plus Activity Centre. Hosted by the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance. Admission by donation.

VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST takes place at the Peachland Community Centre on Friday, Mar 3 from 7 am - 9 am.

Mayor and council will be donning aprons and hats to serve up breakfast to the valuable volunteers of Peachland. Organizations are encouraged to book a table or individuals are asked to RSVP by Feb. 24.

TRAVEL EXHIBIT by the Peachland Art Group is now on display at the Peachland Library. The exhibit features a number of works and art is also available for sale.

WELLNESS CENTRE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Meets Tuesdays - call the Peachland Wellness Centre for

more details 250 767 0141.

THE PEACHLAND VISITOR CENTRE (PVC) IS SEEKING FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS Do you love where you live and enjoy meeting people? The PVC is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. You will be certified in “SuperHost”a free Destination BC Customer Service & Tourism course. Commitment of 4 hours per week is required. Please contact Trina Shields, PVC Manager, at 250 767 2455.

CHAIR YOGA

2 pm - 3 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SPIN, CORE & STRETCH

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL

PLAY

6:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Peachland Community Centre

ZUMBA

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

WOODCARVERS

7 pm 50 Plus Activity Centre

TUESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre

FLOW YOGA

9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre

CARPET BOWLING

10 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

REMEDY YOGA THERAPY LEVEL TWO

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

AA 12 pm 50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PASSION 4 ART

1 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MAH JONG

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEN’S COFFEE & CARDS

1 pm

PWC (downstairs)

LINE DANCING

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

POUND

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

COMPUTER LITERACY

By Appointment Call 250 767 0141

Peachland Wellness Centre

WEDNESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre

SPIN, SCULPT AND STRETCH

9:30 am - 10:45 am

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL - DROP-IN LEVEL

3.0

11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SUNSHINE SINGERS

1 pm -2 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

LEGION KARAOKE

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

MINI KICKERS SOCCER

5:15 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre

HATHA YOGA

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

KIDS DROP-IN SOCCER 7-9

YEARS

6 pm - 6:45 pm except Feb. 8

Peachland Community Centre

CENTRAL OKANAGAN MODEL

RAILWAY CO.

Train modellers + visitors meet

7 pm

Peachland Musum

THURSDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre

YOGA FOR YOUR BACK LEVEL

1

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

10 am-11:45 am

Peachland Wellness Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.5

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

IRON AND SILK FIT

11 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PASSION 4 ART

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BEGINNER UKULELE

230 pm - 330 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEAT DRAW

3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

MINI BATTERS T-BALL 4-6

YEARS

5:15 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BINGO

5:30 pm (EOW)

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL PLAY

6:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Peachland Community Centre

FRIDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

FLOW YOGA

9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

WE ART HERE

12 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

REMEDY YOGA THERAPY LEVEL 1

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CANASTA

1 pm

50+ Activity Centre

LADIES COFFEE AND CARDS

1 pm -2:30 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0 -3.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL PLAY

3 pm - 4:45 pm

Peachland Community Centre

SATURDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CARPET BOWLING

10 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

MEAT DRAW

3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

4th Meridian Art & Auctions

unexpected &

curious finds

Online Auctions • Retail Gallery of Art, Pottery, Textiles, Accessories

Online Gallery & Shop: www.4thmeridian.ca info@4thmeridian.ca

Visit in person: Thurs - Sat CALL or check Website for current hours #104 1475 Fairview Rd, Penticton inside the historic Cannery Trade Centre

Peachland Arts Council celebrates return of HeArts Fest

DEBORAH LIVINGSTONE, PRESIDENT, PEACHLAND COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL

The Peachland Arts Council is happy to report just under 400 guests attended the weekend showcase of the 2023 HeARTS Festival. The community centre was filled with Hearts for the Arts! Students from our elementary school decorated the stage with hundreds of creative collage hearts. Ten of the arts council’s umbrella groups were represented and reported many visitors inquired about their groups’ activities and signed up to volunteer their help for

2023 FINANCIAL PLAN OPEN HOUSE

Pursuant to Section 166 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given of public consultation regarding the proposed 2023 Financial Plan prior to adoption.

Director of Finance Garry Filafilo will be available at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 – 6th Street, Peachland, B.C. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM for public consultation.

various events such as the fall fair, the little theatre’s April production, the upcoming rose show and many others. Workshops were offered in flower arranging, macrame and home and garden themes. Artists were on hand painting abstract portraits, demonstrating clay sculpture and watercolour techniques, and our ukulele players and Peachland Variety Singers entertained everyone during the fabulous lunch provided by the arts council.

On Saturday night, members of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and three students from the Kelowna Music School entertained an appreciative audience in the Art Gallery followed by dinner at Cibo & Vines and Basil Leaf. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful volunteer members in our organization – the week was a huge success.

Well done everyone – so happy to be back!

The Peachland Wellness Centre’s (PWC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held March 18th, 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Peachland Historic Building Boardroom.

All members are invited to attend and please be advised that only members can vote; all are invited! If you wish to become a member visit our website and click on the members button. It is easy to do.

Peachland Wellness Centre

4426 5th Street, Peachland BC 250-767-0141

wellnesscentre@shaw.ca

www.peachlandwellnesscentre.ca

Author discusses big trees of B.C.

JUDY WYPER

The Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance held a presentation and book signing of Terry Nelson’s Big Trees of the Inland Temperate Forests of British Columbia at the Peachland Library on Feb. 11. Nelson told of being in silent dark mossy forests full of ancient lichen-bestrewed giant trees. Patches of old growth forest surrounded by clearcuts. A solitary veteran tree standing in a clearcut. Inland forests abounding with biodiversity. Open Okanagan forests, and how he can deal with a grizzly easier than a rattlesnake!

One of Nelson’s messages was the need to protect old growth forests and keep our big trees safe. The BC Special Tree Policy is the only protection for individual old growth trees, with only 45 trees on that list. If a giant tree is in a cut block, it can be cut down. People are lobbying to have more species and sizes of trees included in special protection legislation, with an online petition. The UBC Forestry Faculty manages a Big Tree Registry. People send GPS co-ordinates, photos, and measurements to nominate trees. This does not protect the tree, but identifies a veteran tree. The BC government refers to this registry, so the more trees submitted to that, the better it is to help enact protection.

To locate interior forest giants, Nelson scoured trail maps, guides, online sites, and received word of mouth information. Last summer he visited Peachland’s Ponderosa Pat, a 400-year-old giant close to the Gladstone Trail. He also met with Joe and Jessica Klein at The Homestead, property that was settled in the 1890s and has “an aged Rocky Mountain Juniper,” two centenarian American elms, and a giant Douglas fir.

Nelson has documented over 750 trees, and 170 of them are in the book along with maps, databases, glossary, colourful photographs, and biogeoclimatic zone descriptions.

The audience was captivated with the photographs he projected as well as his stories about adventuring across the Kootenays and up to Prince George and all around the interior temperate forests of our province. Nelson did some book signing and the chatter in the room showed how passionate and interested people are about protecting trees.

Author Terry Nelson

PHOTO ALEX MORRISON

FOR SENIORS

What seniors can do to safeguard their mental health

No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of seniors and mental health, as depression is often undiagnosed among older men and women and untreated because it co-occurs with other issues affecting seniors.

In the past, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that late-life anxiety was not readily understood. However, much progress has been made in recent years thanks to a heightened awareness of the problem of seniors and mental health. That means seniors now have ample resources they can look to as they seek to learn what they can do to safeguard their mental health.

RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS

The National Institute of Mental Health notes that recognizing the signs of mental health issues is the first step to getting treatment. Mental health issues vary, and individuals with anxiety will likely experience different symptoms than those with depression. But the NIMH notes that the following are some of the warning signs of mental health issues.

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain

• Misuse of alcohol or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviour

• Thoughts or behaviours that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Engaging in thinking or behaviour that is concerning to others

• Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel

SEEKING HELP

As noted, a growing awareness of mental health issues and how they affect seniors has translated to more available resources for aging men and women who need help. Within the United States, seniors can visit the NIMH Help for Mental Illnesses webpage (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ health/find-help) to access contact information for various groups that help people in times of mental health crises. In Canada, individuals can visit the Canadian Mental

Health Association at https://cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/ for contact information for various groups across the country.

BEHAVIOURS THAT CAN BE BENEFICIAL

The National Institute on Aging notes that most cases of depression cannot be prevented. However, the NIA also notes that healthy lifestyle changes can have long-term benefits of seniors’ mental health. Such changes include:

• Being physically active

• Eating a healthy diet that can reduce risk for diseases that can bring on disability and depression

• Getting adequate sleep, which for seniors is between seven to nine hours per night

• Remaining socially active, including regular contact with friends and family

• Participating in activities you enjoy

• Sharing mental issues or concerns with friends, family members and your physician

Research indicates that seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. More information about how to combat and overcome such issues is available at nimh.nih.gov.

This week’s Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search

12. Told a good yarn

13. Vale

17. Resistance unit

19. Aquatic plant

20. Bluish greens

21. About some Norse poems

25. Reinforces

29. Egyptian mythological goddess

31. Supportive material

32. Subatomic particle

33. Expired bread

35. Cereal grain

38. Goes against 41. Walkie __

Answers to last week’s Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search

5972 Princess Street, Peachland

$849,900

Incredible Lake Okanagan views! This house is located on a beautiful lot in a quiet neighbourhood within walking distance to the nice beaches and wonderful restaurants of downtown Peachland. You are going to love the open concept and vaulted ceilings of the main living area. All focus flows towards the stunning views & sprawling outdoor deck. The kitchen has granite counters & newer appliance package that is perfect for cooking wonderful meals for friends & family. The primary bedroom has a deluxe ensuite complete with jetted tub so you can relax after playing at the beach.

208-4340B Beach Ave

$599,000

Perfect location just steps to the Beach and a short walk to everything downtown Peachland has to offer. This fantastic 1244 sq/ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2nd floor unit on the quiet side of this semi waterfront complex. Great outdoor deck with lake view with bbq hook up, brand new carpet in the spacious bedrooms – primary with full en-suite & walk in closet, full size dining area and great living area with gas fire place. MLS® 10268531

Chad Rogers

Peachland Resident

250 808 8143

chad@chadlist.com www.chadlist.com

14-1470 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna Each office

Acreage, Lakeviews and Privacy

$949,900

5991

-

MLS® 10265700

and privacy can all be enjoyed from this lovely rancher walkout that is nestled in the hillside of Peachland. Located at the end of a no thru street and surrounded by natural landscaping this one owner home offers a cozy living room with large windows that showcase the lake and mountain views, functional kitchen with access to covered deck, spacious primary bedroom complete with walk in closet and 4pc ensuite.

Most

home in a neighbourhood of multi-million dollar waterfront properties on a cul-de-sac. Lakeview 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with unfinished space in the basement for an extra bedroom and bathroom. Large 19x11 covered deck for enjoying the views. Over-sized 21x18 garage offers room for parking and toys. Huge paved driveway offers extra parking and room for your RV. Call Coreena for more information.

Meldrum Pl

Acreage, lake views